Nigeria Plans New Satellite Launch As Current One Nears End of Service

Nigeria prepares a new satellite launch: Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has now begun the process of replacing the country’s satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R.

The current nation’s satellite will expire in 2026, after the completion of its 15-year lifespan.

The country is also seeking investors from across the globe to support the project.

Nigeria Prepares New Satellite Launch

This replacement move was announced by the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen. According to her, with the satellite nearing the end of its life, NIGCOMSAT is taking proactive steps to ensure a timely replacement.

She also said in a LinkedIn post, “You already know that Nigeria has a satellite in space, which has been operational since December 2011.”

“As it nears the end of its life, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a timely replacement and have officially begun the process of replacing the existing NIGCOMSAT-1R.”

“Now, we are calling for collaborators and investors to ensure the successful execution of this project.”

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NIGCOMSAT is focusing on upgrades and recently announced a partnership with Dimension Data.

Through this partnership, NIGCOMSAT will provide Internet services via its NigComSat-1R network platform to Dimension Data for an initial one-year period.

However, the NigComSat-1R satellite, launched to replace the failed NigComSat-1 in 2007, is encountering challenges with low patronage.

A New Satellite Launch To Boost Satellite Communications and Connectivity

Former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, previously advocated replacing the satellite and proposed securing a $550 million loan from China-Exim Bank to acquire two new satellites as backups.

However, this plan was met with resistance from stakeholders who questioned the profitability and utilization of the existing satellite.

According to the MD, the successful launch of NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3 would boost satellite communications and connectivity within the region and beyond, transforming Nigeria into a big player in the global satellite market.

This will also help Nigeria overcome past challenges and ensure the continuity and expansion of its satellite services, providing a solid foundation for future technological advancements and economic growth.